§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the arrangements now in progress for closing shops in the Strand with the object of widening the thoroughfare; and whether, seeing that so much building labour will be wanted all over the country for the task of building houses, in these circumstances he will suggest to those concerned the advisability of a postponement of their intended rebuilding until the more urgent need mentioned is met?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware of the arrangements referred to, but I understand that work of this kind provides employment for a large number of men in the building and allied industries who would not in any event be employed on house building. In the circumstances, I do not propose to take any action.